#225 | Mini-Workshop: Leading With Influence

Some people walk into a room and instantly have influence, not because of their title, but because of how they show up. If you’ve ever wondered why certain voices carry more weight, it usually comes down to trust, consistency, and presence. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the most senior person in the room. It’s about the small, repeatable behaviors that make people respect you, listen to you, and want to move forward with you.

One of the biggest shifts is understanding that influence will always outperform authority. Titles might get compliance, but they don’t create real buy-in. Influence does. It’s what builds a culture where people want to follow your lead because they believe in your intentions and trust your perspective. And the best part? It’s not reserved for executives. Influence is a skill, one that anyone can build, regardless of role or experience.

It starts with mindset. When you focus on contributing ideas, supporting others, and taking initiative, people begin to see you differently. That shift alone starts to build credibility and momentum.

From there, it’s about how you show up day to day. The most influential people do a few things consistently well: they lead with positivity and basic respect, they ask thoughtful questions that move conversations forward, and they step in as true team players. They think like owners, spotting problems and offering solutions, and they make space for others to contribute, which builds trust quickly. Most importantly, they follow through. That consistency is what turns small actions into real influence over time.

If you take one thing from this, let it be this: influence isn’t something you’re given, it’s something you practice. It’s built in the everyday moments, how you show up in meetings, how you communicate, how you support your team. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll notice the shift. Over time, you become the person people naturally look to, not because you have to lead, but because they want to follow.

Timestamps:

06:01 Understanding Leadership Styles

12:43 The Power of Influential Leadership

16:55 Becoming an Influential Leader

24:44 Thinking Like an Owner

26:32 Engaging Introverts in Conversations

33:11 Balancing Show and Tell

41:55 Transparency with Your Boss

45:07 Solving Client Headaches: The Value Proposition

Links:

Kim’s LinkedIn Course – Nano Tips for Leading With Influence

Bookshop.org

Simon Sinek – Leaders Eat Last

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